With more businesses embracing Anywhere Operations, there is an increase in the virtualization of core business functions. A study discovered that employees "waste" approximately 32 days per year while using workplace efficiency apps. These workers also used an average of four communication apps, with 20% of them using six or more platforms. Managing several apps can risk wasting valuable time securely logging into and navigating each one. Let’s explore how single-sign-on (or SSO) can help streamline your employees’ access to work resources.
What is Single-Sign-On?
Single-Sign-On (or SSO) is an identity solution allowing multiple apps to use the same user authentication session to avoid repetitive credential entries. SSO authentication is popular among companies operating in the enterprise world as a part of their secure access strategy.
How Does SSO Work?
When an employee signs into an SSO service, it creates a unique authentication token that “remembers” the user’s verification. This authentication token is a piece of digital information stored in the user’s browser or the SSO’s server. Think of it like a temporary ID card issued to a visitor to your company’s physical location.
After the SSO authentication session initiates, any app the user accesses verifies with the session. It then passes the user’s authentication token to the app and gives access. However, if a user isn’t signed into the SSO service yet, they get the prompt to sign in.
You don’t have to worry about the SSO service storing the users’ identities. This service acts as a middleman, checking each user’s credentials against a separate identity management service. The single-sign-on service is similar to a librarian searching for a book by its title on a patron’s behalf. The librarian doesn’t memorize the entire library card catalog but can easily navigate the system and access each record.
Why Should You Implement Single-Sign-On?
Approximately 23% of data breaches occur due to human error. If your employees have access to multiple apps in order to serve customers, it becomes more likely for someone to make an error. It’s essential to minimize the chances of your staff making a human mistake and compromising access to your company’s network.
While SSO authentication increases your business’ cybersecurity posture, it also promotes efficiency in your daily processes. Without having to worry about logging into each app, your staff are free to focus on completing essential tasks which best serve your clients and enhance your performance in the marketplace.
The Top Advantages of SSO
A few notable benefits of single-sign-on include:
- SSO helps users remember and manage fewer usernames and passwords for each app
- Improve the usability of core applications and user experiences
- Streamline the login process and improve productivity
- Implementing SSO authentication reduces the possibility of phishing
- Lessen the burden on your IT support team with fewer password-related issues
- Boost your company’s cybersecurity and regulatory compliance.
- Reduce your technology costs for greater profitability
Improve Your Cybersecurity Posture
Remote work is the new reality for many companies, and single-sign-on (SSO) authentication ensures convenient and secure access. Net Friends is your trusted IT provider for managed infrastructure services to protect your business. Our technology experts will guide you in conducting an extensive risk assessment to close cybersecurity gaps. Contact us today to secure your daily business processes and widen your profit margin.
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Originally Published: June 23, 2022
Updated & Revised: August 1, 2023
